Sometimes Laser Lemming gets flack for reviewing a lot of smaller, indie titles like Halo 4, Epic Mickey 2, and Resident Evil 6. The people crave more than that. Our readers don’t just want to read about indie games. They want to read about the AAA blockbusters like Hotline Miami, Hairy Tales, and Stealth Bastard Deluxe. And we here at Laser Lemming aim to please. That’s why today we offer up a fresh review for the multi-million dollar game Potatoman Seeks the Troof.
Now I know what your thinking, this game sounds like it could sit next to Black Ops II on a Gamestop shelf and nobody would bat an eye. Well, that’s what I thought too but let me tell you something: we were both wrong. Turns out, PST is not your average first person shooter. In fact, one might say that it’s not even a first person shooter at all. Unlike many blockbusters these days, PST is a PC/Mac platformer from PixelJam Games.
So what is Potatoman Seeks the Troof, you say? As if the title didn’t give you all the information you ever needed. The game is about a potato man that is seeking… the troof. If you need more clarification, just watch this launch trailer. It should clear up all of your questions and in no way leave you more confused.
Well now that you’ve seen that, I’m sure this review is unnecessary. Go to PixelJam’s website and fork over the $3 they are asking for the game. If you’re still lost, keep reading for more review.
Potatoman is a game about answers. As the website describes it, it is a “potatosophical platformer.” And potatosophical it is. As you progress through levels, you will encounter nameless characters that will impart vague words of wisdom. Usually right before they try to kill you. This is a “one hit and you’re dead” kind of platformer. And unlike most modern platformers, you have a limited amount of lives before you need to start the whole level over.
This gives the game a more challenging edge to it. And often, yes, the game is very challenging. This is partially due to the fact that the game constantly presents new elements and rules 
to you as you go. The game keeps itself fresh from start to finish. Part of that is due to the fact that the game is over after 5 levels. Yes, this game is short. If you don’t give yourself time to breathe after raging at the falling rocks and those damn bats, you can finish the game in one sitting. I on the other hand, value my sanity, so I took a few breaks in-between.
Graphically the game is somewhat unique. Each level looks quite a bit different than the last. The game’s second level is a jungle. It rivals the visuals of Crysis. The game’s third level takes place in a sprawling city that rivals Crysis 2. As you progress, the levels offer up more and more visual panache. The final level throws the most graphical effects at you, allowing you to change the aesthetics of the game’s world as you progress.
Leaving Potatoman idle will cause him to do things while he waits. Not enough games do this anymore.
Musically, Potatoman stands on it’s own two. It’s no Hotline Miami, but really, what is? The PST soundtrack is video-gamey enough to keep you moving while deep enough to cause you to pause and ask “What would a potato think about this?”
In the end, I can honestly say that I don’t really know. I passed philosophy by the skin of my teeth and one play-through of PST leaves me unsure of the real troof. That said, the game was pretty fun and polished. I thoroughly enjoyed being casually presented a plethora of new gameplay elements. I did get angry a few times during the experience, but that’s a side effect of many addictive games. I wouldn’t say Potatoman Seeks the Troof has the length or replayability to become addictive. But I also wouldn’t say that it’s trying to. Remember, this is a potatosophical game. It’s for the thinking man’s potato.
At $3, I’d say Potatoman Seeks the Troof is fairly priced but some might find it too short. For $7 dollars more, PixelJam will throw in 7 other games. I haven’t played them all yet, but given Potatoman’s sage gameplay, I’d be willing to wager that they’re probably well-made, short games (Dino Run is confirmed fun). It’s worth giving a shot, if only to get closer to the troof.
